REFRAMING SOCIAL POLICY: INCLUDING THE EXCLUDED: HOMELESSNESS AND SOCIAL INCLUSION IN EUROPE An analysis of the new theoretical approaches Adrian Dan, Faculty of Sociology and Social Work University of Bucharest Abstract Adequate housing access and provision is a fundamental pre-condition in order that every individual to achieve other fundamental rights. Housing exclusion most probably represents the most serious form of social exclusion. Not to have adequate housing and/or access thereto is tantamount to extreme poverty, which means persistent lack of means and opportunities, and is a form of severe social exclusion. Access to housing is(the) key to social inclusion 72 . The current paper is trying to analyse the new theoretical developments in the field of homelessness and how to put in practice these in a form of effective policies and services, in order to promote housing inclusion of this highly vulner­able social group. The paper starts by analysing the so called“continuum of homeless” from the most vulnerable – the roofless – to the ones living in housing risk/ inadequate housing conditions, also underlying the main causes of homelessness. In conclu­sions it is suggested that the public concern should switch on from social assis­tance and basic/ primary direct services for homeless people to a broader view embedded in various social policies – from tenure security to adequate housing, including the quality of neighbourhood. Short introduction on the housing exclusion and homelessness phenomenon Adequate housing refers to the basic fact that is a must that every individual has to have a home/ domicile, as well as appropriate quality housing conditions and comfort provided by that particular dwelling(m 2 / person, average number of per­sons/ room and dwelling, phonic isolation, heating and thermal isolation, access to 72 Romanian Government, 2002, The National Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Plan. 176